That source claims to have sent the tape to the league, prompting somebody at the league to say, "You're right. It's terrible," in a recorded voice mail.

From the AP:

"The person played The Associated Press a 12-second voicemail from an NFL office number on April 9 confirming the video arrived. A female voice expresses thanks and says: 'You're right. It's terrible.'

"The law enforcement official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, says he had no further communication with any NFL employee and can't confirm anyone watched the video. The person said they were unauthorized to release the video but shared it unsolicited, because they wanted the NFL to have it before deciding on Rice's punishment."

In July, Rice was initially suspended for only two games. After the video surfaced Monday, the league suspended him indefinitely, and the Baltimore Ravens cut him.

The NFL released a statement on the AP report, saying, "We have no knowledge of this. We are not aware of anyone who possessed or saw the video before it was made public on Monday. We will look into it."

The league has justified the leniency of its initial punishment by claiming it never saw the graphic elevator video. Given Goodell's repeated claims that no one at the league ever saw it until Monday, it could be catastrophic for the NFL if the AP report is true.